Torridge Councillors met at Full Council on 25th February 2026, to finalise the budget and determine the Council Tax rate for the 2026/27 financial year. The approved increase of £5.84 (2.99%), which is lower than inflation at 3.6% (CPIH, December 2025), will represent a rise of just over ten pence per week for the majority of Torridge residents.
For the remaining elements which constitutes the full council tax payment Devon County Council approved a rise of £89.91 (4.99%), Police & Crime Commissioner £15.00 (5.20%), Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service £5.00 (4.78%) and the various Town and Parish councils an average of £6.55 (7.29%).
Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council said: “To ensure we continue to provide these essential front-line services that Torridge residents depend on, it is important for us to increase Council Tax. By doing so, we can strengthen our resources and enhance the quality of services available to everyone in the district.
“The Council Tax collected by Torridge constitutes only a small fraction of the total payment. In fact, for every pound collected, 73 pence is allocated to Devon County Council, 12 pence to the Police, 4 pence to the Fire Service, and 3 pence to Town and Parish Councils. This leaves approximately 8 pence per pound for Torridge to support the essential services that benefit our community.
“As a council, the increase will enable us to continue to deliver value for money, whilst ensuring that financial sustainability remains one of our key priorities.”
Due to investments and efficiencies made in temporary housing, spending has decreased from approximately £800,000 in 2023/24 to a forecast of around £300,000 in 2025/26. This is direct result of the Council’s efforts to increase the amount of space in its hostels and other forms of accommodation. This area remains a key focus for delivering savings in the coming years.
Despite the challenges facing the revenue budget, the Council is pleased to announce its largest ever level of capital investment in the district. The Operational Services Centre is now complete and fully operational, while construction of the Appledore Maritime Innovation Centre is underway and expected to be completed by autumn. Work has also commenced on the Community Regeneration Partnership projects (£20m), and improvements are being made to leisure and public facilities, including renovations to the old Bideford Library & Town Hall. Through these investments, the Council is dedicated to modernising its services to improve efficiency, uphold our commitment to net zero, and support the community.
